Sandwiches with Red Fish and Cream Cheese

Bright, impressive, and delicious - perfect for the festive table! Sandwiches with red fish and cream cheese are a classic appetizer for any celebration. Unlike the traditional butter version, this one uses cream cheese, making the taste brighter and the dish less caloric.
Updated : 13 October, 2025

Easy
About 20 min.
Preparation
Step 1
Use any bread you like - white, rye, baguette, or whole grain. I used whole grain. The shape of the slices can also vary. Any red fish will work: salmon, trout, pink salmon, or chum salmon.
Step 2
If the bread isn’t pre-sliced, cut it into slices about ½-⅔ inch (1-1.5 cm) thick. Lightly toast it any way you like. I placed the slices on a baking sheet and baked them for about 3 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C). The inside should stay soft, and the outside slightly crisp. You can also toast it in a pan or toaster.
Step 3
While the bread is toasting and cooling, prepare the spread. Wash and dry the herbs well. I used parsley, but dill or green onions also work nicely. Remove the thick stems and finely chop the leaves.
Step 4
Place cream cheese (not processed cheese) into a mixing bowl. You can use plain or flavored varieties. Add the chopped herbs and a bit of lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Step 5
Slice the red fish into thin strips. Pre-sliced fish works perfectly for this recipe.
Step 6
Spread the cheese mixture generously over the bread. I prefer a thick layer, but you can adjust to taste. Alternatively, transfer the mixture into a piping bag with a decorative nozzle for a prettier look. If you do this, add a bit of softened butter to make the spread easier to pipe.
Step 7
Arrange the fish slices on top - create small roses, waves, or simply lay them flat. Garnish as desired with lemon slices, olives, capers, herbs, cranberries, or cucumber. Serve immediately. Enjoy!